Michael Hastings Death: LA Coroner Completes Autopsy

UPDATED: The death of the 33-year-old journalist was ruled an accident — though the report reveals a recent history of drug use.

The Los Angeles County coroner has closed its inquiry into the death of journalist Michael Hastings, ruling that the death of the 33-year-old journalist in a fiery car crash on Highland Avenue near Melrose Boulevard on June 19 was an accident.

The report, released Tuesday, revealed the cause of death was the result of “traumatic injuries,” and notes that Hastings had been wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. A small amount of methamphetamine and marijuana was found in his system, but the coroner ruled that those substances were unlikely to have contributed to his death.